A Place to Mend

• Every 4th Thursday, 5:30 – 8 pm*
• 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, Iowa; 3rd Floor Reading Room
• Ages 21+, Free to attend, tips welcome for hands on mending help

New in 2026: Monthly Skill Building Themes

January: Knitting + Mending = Winter Sweater Love
Learn to knit with Kristin M Roach, then see how how to do a knitted mend on one of her favorite sweaters. Pointy sticks & yarn provided. Demo will start promptly at 6pm.

February: Button Sewing
This month we are diving deep into buttons. Learn the difference between machine sewn buttons, button hole sizing, shanks and shankless, and how to finally sew them on so they stay on. The truest of love languages – sewing on a missing button for your friend in need. Or better yet, showing them how to sew on their button right so they stop falling off. Button talk and demo starting at 6pm.

As always, Mending nights are free, or a suggested donation of $5 for hands on instruction.
Ages 21+ (Feel free to bring your favorite beverage; alcoholic or non-alcoholic)

Have a few mending/repair projects you have been wanting to work on? Gather them up and join the Octagon for some creative, productive, and soulful fun. You are encouraged to bring any projects to work on, i.e… knitting, crochet, needle work, whatever.

*Note: We do tend to take July and December off. And some months it shifts to a different Thursday. If you’d like to join in, make sure to check the current month’s date at the Octagon Center for the Arts event listing or the Events Page on my Website.

Until Next Time!

Taking a bit of a break, Volume 5 was meant to have another issue, and the second one is nearly done and I keep pulling it out and working on it from time to time. I think the big thing was I became a mom vs pregnant + started Little Wood Herbal which is now my primary income. More triathlons and art exhibits and murals. Will I ever finish that final issue? I would like to think so. You will be the first to know.

In this Issue
:: 7 Years in Passing
:: The Many Deaths of Backyard Chickens
:: Chicken Workers Ode to chickens past
:: Lessons Learned (about backyard chickens)
:: Word Find
:: Recipe: Baked Eggs
:: Lucy’s Bug Box

The Craft Leftovers Monthly Zine is designed, written, laid out and hand assembled by Kristin Roach. It’s 20 pages of crafty goodness in a 5×7″ page size. Color Cover, black and white insides. Perfect for pockets, purses, and pouches. Get inspired, inspire your friends.

Craft Leftovers is print locally in Ames, Iowa.

Now Available as a Digital Download!

I’ve just added this zine—and several others—to my Substack archive as digital downloads. If you’ve ever wanted a peek into the early days of Craft Leftovers or just love collecting handmade DIY zines, now you can enjoy some instant gratification digital-zines & patterns.

• Grab the hand-folded physical zine here.
• Become a paid Substack subscriber to get instant access to the full digital archive.

Paid Substack? Digital edition’s yours.

Until Next time

Kristin M Roach

Some of the tutorials featured in the full-size zines were later spun off into their own mini zines, and one of my absolute favorites is still going strong today. This small yellow mini zine has stood the test of time—I’m still printing, folding, and stocking it regularly in both my online shop and brick-and-mortar store. It’s also a staple in the zine distro during open studio events.

A Little Piece of Art History

One of the things I love about this particular zine? The collage I feature inside was a project from one of my first college-level art classes—Illustration 101, if I remember right! It’s been fun to see how far that spark of creativity has carried forward. I still hangs in my house!

Now Available as a Digital Download!

I’ve just added this mini zine—and several others—to my Substack archive as digital downloads. If you’ve ever wanted a peek into the early days of Craft Leftovers or just love collecting handmade DIY zines, now you can enjoy some instant gratification digital-zines & patterns.

• Grab the hand-folded physical zine here.
• Become a paid Substack subscriber to get instant access to the full digital archive.

Paid Substack? Digital edition’s yours.

Until Next time

Kristin M Roach

ps – I’m terrible at spelling and love a run on a little too much, so I wrote this, then had help from AI editing it. Want AI free content? Visit my substack to read real hand-written/illustrated letters right to your inbox. Most recent letters are free to all, letter + zine archive is for paid subscribers.

I’m moving my future podcast, blog, newsletter, and essays all to Substack. What I like about Substack is its flexibility: you can read or listen to my posts by visiting the page, subscribe to get them in your inbox, or catch them as a podcast—whatever works best for you.

So, what will I be writing about? Honestly, the same things I always have: art, craft, and life. It’s about how I strive to live sustainably—personally, as a business owner, and as an artist. I’ll share what inspires me and what I learn along the way. You can read the most recent letter or sign up to receive future ones here:

Until Next Time,

Kristin M Roach

Collaged from an old crochet Afghan pattern, it is written and illustrated by me, Kristin M Roach. This minibook is made from one flat sheet of paper and is bound using an instant book folding method (instructions included in this zine). It is 8 pages including the cover and back.

Purchase in my Shop or on Etsy.

My newest zine is out in print or get the pdf (and other zines in the digital archive too) as a Substack paid subscriber bonus! This past summer while my daughter was being excessively determined to never do math again and that it’s worthless — this little gem was born. Just 3 months later she’s enjoying math (or at least doing it) and thinks this little zine is hilarious and the best thing to possibly come out of our summer standoff math sessions.

All the Details

It’s little, cute, and bringing of giggles. That’s really all you need to know. Page counts and those details can be found in the shop.

I have a larger zine in the works, the release date is tentatively April in time for zine fest season… if the fates align.

Happy New Year and….

Until Next Time!
Kristin M Roach

I am thrilled to announce the return of the Craft Leftovers Shop at its new digital abode! A leftovers hub for craft zines & patterns is re-emerging at a new web address, and (so happy about this!) the integration of my fine art collection into the catalog.

New Address, New Adventures

Http://www.kristinmroach.com/shop is where the magic now unfolds. Update your bookmarks, and be ready to explore a revamped site that’s designed to enhance your browsing and shopping experience.

Craft Zines Meet Eco Art

In this grand re-opening, I’m intertwining the enchanting world of Craft Leftovers with the elegance of fine art. My catalog is expanding to include the Junk Mail Migration Bird Paintings & Backyard Botanical Gouache Paintings, creating a harmonious fusion of creativity and sustainability.

A Fusion of Creativity

Whether you’re passionate about crafting or seeking unique, environmentally conscious art, the KMR Shop is the destination where both passions converge. From zines to patterns to captivating upcycled art pieces, there’s something for every art enthusiast and eco-conscious creator.

New in the New Shop: A New Zine!

This summer brought all kinds of fun and challenges. Lucy did not have care for the first time ever and I was balancing a new role. This little zine is a peek into the daily conversations between parents and kids. And fun fact, after a few months removed, it was Lucy (my daughter the zine is about), that encouraged me to finish it and put it up for sale because “it’s hilarious mom!” Grab yourselves the print version today, the pdf version will be available in January.

Thank you for being an integral part of the creative community. I am eagerly anticipating sharing this new chapter with you! Enjoy free shipping (US continental only) through Christmas (Dec 25, midnight) when you make your first purchase in the new shop. Just use coupon code: WELCOME at checkout.

Until Next Time!

Kristin M Roach

Well the first pair that I made of these reminded me so much of Oscar the Grouch’s fur, so I decided to name them after him. They are Crocheted fingerless gloves, super warm and super quick to crochet up. Plus, they only take one skein of bulky yarn to make. I wanted to keep the pattern to one page, so I’m posting the gauge, abbreviations, and alterations here.

Materials

Chunky Baby Alpaca or something similarly fluffy, softy, and big

Tools

Size US I (5.25mm) crochet hook

Yarn Needle for finishing

Techniques

Half double crochet

Working in the round

Increasing

Note

To make a larger size (my hands are a “woman’s medium”) – increase your foundation chain by 2 per size increase. 

Gauge

12 hdc & 8 rnds = 4″ square

Abbreviations

ch = chain

hdc = half double crochet

sl st = slip stitch

rnd = round

beg = beginning

sts = stitches

RS = right side

WS = wrong side

Directions

Foundation Chain

Leaving a long tail, ch18. Join the chain into a ring by working a slst into first ch made.

Wrist

RND 1: Ch2, work 1hdc into sl st. Work hdc into remaining 12 chains. Work sl st into the 2nd ch that was worked at beginning of rnd. There are now 16 hdc in the 1st rnd. 

RND2: Ch2, work 1hdc into 1st hdc from hook. Work hdc in ea remaining hdc. Work slst into 2nd ch st at beginning of rnd.

RND 3-6: Work as rnd 2. 

Thumb Hole

RND 7 (RS): Ch2, hdc in ea hdc to beginning of rnd. Turn work. 

RND 8 (WS): Ch2, hdc in ea hdc to beginning of rnd. Sl st to join over gap. Turn work.
RND 9 – 13 (RS): Work as RND2. 

Index Finger

RND 1: Ch2, work hdc into next 2hdc sts. Hdc into 3rd st from end of rnd. Hdc last 2 sts of rnd. Sl st into 2nd ch at beginning of rnd. There are now 6 stitches. 

RND 2: Ch2, work 1 hdc into 1st hdc from hook. Work hdc in ea remaining 5 hdc. Work sl st into the 2nd ch st at beginning of rnd. 

RND 3: Work as RND2. Cut yarn, pull loose end through loop to finish. 

Middle Finger

Join the yarn with a slip stitch in the next st from index finger. Ch2, work into next 2 hdc sts. Hdc into 3rd st from Index Finger. Hdc into last 2 sts of rnd. Hdc into bottom rnd of Index Finger. Sl st into 2nd ch at beginning of rnd. There are now 7 stitches. 

RND 2 & 3: Work as RND 2 & 3 of Index Finger.

Ring Finger

Join in yarn with a slip stitch in the next st from middle finger. Ch 2, work into next hdc st. Hdc into 2nd st from Middle Finger. Hdc into last st of rnd. Hdc into bottom rnd of index finger. Sl st into 2nd ch at beginning of rnd. There are now 5 stitches. 

RND 2 & 3: Work as rnd 2& 3 of index finger. 

Pinky Finger

Join in yarn with a slip stitch in the next st fom index finger. Ch 2, work into remaining sts, 2 hdc into bottom round of ring finger. Sl st into 2nd ch at beginning of rnd. There are now 4 stitches. 

RND 2 & 3: Work as rnds 2 & 3 of index finger. 

Thumb

Join in yarn with sl st along thumb hole. Ch2. 1 hdc into side, 2 along the top, 2 along the other side, and 2 along the bottom. Sl st into 2nd ch at beginning of rnd. 

RND 2 & 3: Work as RND 2 & 3 of index finger. 

Weave in all ends. 

Make a second for the other hand and enjoy the pair! 

Sign up for the Craft Leftovers mailing list to get a monthly update of new content and re-releases. You can also follow me on Instagram to check out the crafty projects I’m crafting. And of course, if you make something with one of my patterns, just tag it (#craftleftovers). I love seeing what you’ve made with your unique leftovers!

Until next time!
Kristin M Roach

Enjoy the Livestream video edition:

Treat me to a cuppa: https://ko-fi.com/kristinmroach

General Notes

• Podcast Archive at: http://www.craftleftovers.com/podcast
• Follow me on Instagram to check out the crafty projects I’m crafting.
• Mend it Better (signed copy / digital edition)
• See the whole Craft Leftovers Podcast Series
• Intro/Outro music credit: Coma-Media

Sign up for the Craft Leftovers enews list  to see what’s been recovered in the archive each month + new patterns and podcast transcripts sent right to your inbox.

And of course, if you make something inspired by a pattern or episode of the podcast, just tag it (#craftleftovers). I love seeing what you’ve made with your unique resources!

Until Next Time!

Kristin M Roach

One of the challenges live streaming has been presenting since I moved into our new home is the low quality internet at the house. Live streaming at my office has not quite worked out yet.

So I’ve got some plans… of course. Here is what I’m up to:

1. Pre-recording and posting my real-time mending videos. I think this will allow me to follow my creative impulse in a more genuine way and make it into a more enjoyable experience while crafting + a more polished experience while viewing.
2. Trying out an audio only podcast. A podcast’s podcast. And maybe what happens is I combine these two things — I pair my audio with my crafting videos I’m creating.
3. Converting out of print zines into pdfs for Ko-fi folks as well as available for purchase on Craft Leftovers.
4. My book! I’m working on it! You can follow my progress on https://kristinmroach.substack.com/
5. Little Woods Herbal is ramping up… oh do I have schemes. It’s been really exciting to see it flourish — year 10 since I started the online store, year 7 since opening the brick and mortar. I feel like I’m really hitting my stride here.

Anyway, I didn’t want to just ghost ya. I’m still thinking of you, miss ya, and can’t wait to share more craft and craft biz with you… just in a different form.

Until Next Time…
Kristin M Roach

Podcast Audio Version Coming Soon. Enjoy the Livestream video edition:

Treat me to a cuppa: https://ko-fi.com/kristinmroach

• Read other versions/elements of this story over on my ko-fi page and SubStack.

General Notes

• Podcast Archive at: http://www.craftleftovers.com/podcast
• Follow me on Instagram to check out the crafty projects I’m crafting.
• Mend it Better (signed copy / digital edition)
• See the whole Craft Leftovers Podcast Series
• Intro/Outro music credit: Coma-Media

Sign up for the Craft Leftovers enews list  to see what’s been recovered in the archive each month + new patterns and podcast transcripts sent right to your inbox.

And of course, if you make something inspired by a pattern or episode of the podcast, just tag it (#craftleftovers). I love seeing what you’ve made with your unique resources!

Until Next Time!

Kristin M Roach

5:30 – 8:00pm

Thursday, May 25th, 2023

Octagon Center for the Arts, 2nd Floor Studio

FREE IN PERSON EVENT | RSVP HERE

$5 suggested donation for mending help from myself & Octagon Staff

Ages 21+ (Feel free to bring your favorite beverage; alcoholic or non-alcoholic)

Mending is that bridge between creative worlds. Whether a hobbiest or professional, we all have something to share, contribute, and a sock with a hole. For those of us that are a little more quiet, it gives us a task to keep attentive to and help with any social anxiety. For those of us a little more outgoing, it gives a way to share our skills and stories with others.

If you are around Ames, join us at the Octagon Center for the Arts for the May Place to Mend. Can’t make it this month, mark your calendar… turns out this is turning into a monthly thing most 4th Thursdays of the month.

Until Next Time…

Kristin M Roach

I’m borrowing today’s topic from a post I wrote back in 2010! Apparently (funny what we forget) I’ve been into talking about crafty business topics (aka small biz ownership topics) since near the beginning of my career.

Also note, I’m switching to the1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month and a new time! 1:30-2:00pm Central Stop by and ask me just about anything related to art, craft, and entrepreneurship.

Enjoy in video and audio:

Show Notes

Treat me to a cuppa: https://ko-fi.com/kristinmroach

Download the Ep 16 Transcript Here

• Tea Feature: Kitchen Sink Chai + Elizabella Vanilla Creamed Honey (local favorite)
• Original Post about Making Time for Lunch
• More on Meal Planning in the Craft Leftovers Archive
• My favorite lunches (other than leftovers which is my default)

General Notes

• Podcast Archive at: http://www.craftleftovers.com/podcast
• Follow me on Instagram to check out the crafty projects I’m crafting.
• Mend it Better (signed copy / digital edition)
• See the whole Craft Leftovers Podcast Series
• Intro/Outro music credit: Coma-Media

Sign up for the Craft Leftovers enews list  to see what’s been recovered in the archive each month + new patterns and podcast transcripts sent right to your inbox.

And of course, if you make something inspired by a pattern or episode of the podcast, just tag it (#craftleftovers). I love seeing what you’ve made with your unique resources!

Until Next Time!

Kristin M Roach

If you are around Ames, join us at the Octagon Center for the Arts for the second Place to Mend.

A Place to Mend

Thursday, February 23, 2023

5:30 – 8pm

Octagon Center for the Arts

Third floor library/meeting room

Click here to Register

Pre-registration is helpful (last time we had to do three round of pulling out extra chairs! A good problem). Everyone is welcome and it’s free! Just tip if Beth or I end up helping you a ton with your mending project. The suggested donation for mending help is $5.

What Inspired this Event?

My friend and fellow creative person Beth W. (education director at the Octagon Center for the Arts) invited me to help host a mending meet up at the art center last month. We decided to keep it simple and see what happened. Because even if it was just her and I hanging out and mending together we knew it was going to be a good time.

Here’s what happened. It wasn’t just us.

We had over a dozen folks make their way out into the cold Iowa Winter and stitch with us. Share stories and projects and life lessons. I taught things. I learned things. Folks were from all walks of life. Artists and researchers. Weavers and bakers. Scientists and scientists in training. It was awesome.

We aren’t sure what the spring and summer will look like, so sign up for my mailing list to get updates when this and other events like it are happening.

Speaking of which…

Also this week: Visit the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge with me!

For all my Iowans, this weekend is the closing day of the Junk Mail Migration exhibit at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge. And we have a great treat planned for you.

• 10am – 10:40am Presentation + Q&A Learn about how this project came into being, what inspired it, and what I’ve learned along the way. No registration required.
• 11am – 12:30pm Tapestry Weaving Workshop Learn the basics of tapestry weaving with my favorite type of loom… the Cardboard loom! Ages 10+. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. This event is free. Space is limited so pre-registration is REQUIRED. Email or Call: nancy_corona@fws.gov or 515.994.2300.

Until Next Time…

Kristin M Roach

Also note, I’m switching to the1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month and a new time! 1:30-2:00pm Central Stop by and ask me just about anything related to art, craft, and entrepreneurship.

Enjoy in video or audio form:

Show Notes

• Profit First Book by Mike Michalowicz (affiliate link)
• Tea Feature:
• Buy me a cuppa tea: https://ko-fi.com/kristinmroach
• Podcast Archive at: http://www.craftleftovers.com/podcast
• Follow me on Instagram to check out the crafty projects I’m crafting.
• Mend it Better (signed copy / digital edition)
• See the whole Craft Leftovers Podcast Series
• Intro/Outro music credit: Coma-Media

Sign up for the Craft Leftovers enews list  to see what’s been recovered in the archive each month + new patterns and podcast transcripts sent right to your inbox.

And of course, if you make something inspired by a pattern or episode of the podcast, just tag it (#craftleftovers). I love seeing what you’ve made with your unique resources!

Until Next Time!

Kristin M Roach